Yarden Chardonnay, Golan Heights Winery, 2020, Galilee, Israel

The Galilee (or Galil) is the most northern, and generally considered the best, appellation in Israel. The highest quality area within the appellation is the Golan Heights (or simply the Golan), the coldest region in Israel. The vineyards on this volcanic plateau rise from 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and receive snowfall in the winter. Yarden Chardonnay is made exclusively from fruit grown in the northern Golan Heights. The cool climate, rocky volcanic soil and high altitude are ideal conditions for growing classic wine grape varieties The wine aged in French oak barrels, of which some 50% were new, for seven months. The Yarden Chardonnay presents appealing pear, lemon, green apple and tropical fruit notes, intermingled with mineral and floral characters, all with a background of French oak. This flavorful and drinkable wine exhibits a full body and a lingering and satisfying finish.